As Tri-State Heads into a Deep Freeze Bring Pets Inside

The Tri-State is on the way to a deep freeze from Tuesday through Thursday, here's some tips to keep pets warm!

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Temperatures around the Tri-State during the "deep freeze" will get dangerously low. Make sure to bring pets inside, and follow these tips:

This week temperatures are dropping (it's definitely not the 50s and 60s we experienced this weekend anymore!) with highs in the 30s to 40s to lows below freezing, it's a good time to remind people to bring pets inside. With temps dropping into the low 20s at night, please be sure to bring your pets inside, or at least into the garage where they can have shelter from the cold.

Temperatures are going drop significantly, and we're going to be experiencing a bitter cold make sure you have a plan in place to keep your pets safe. And if you notice someone neglecting a pet in the cold, contact your local Animal Control and report it!

Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather. It's a common belief that dogs and cats are more resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur, but it's untrue. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather.

We don't recommend keeping any pet outside for long periods of time, but if you are unable to keep your dog inside during cold weather, provide him/her with a warm, solid shelter against wind. Make sure that they have unlimited access to fresh, non-frozen water (by changing the water frequently or using a pet-safe, heated water bowl). The floor of the shelter should be off of the ground (to minimize heat loss into the ground) and the bedding should be thick, dry and changed regularly to provide a warm, dry environment. The door to the shelter should be positioned away from prevailing winds. Space heaters and heat lamps should be avoided because of the risk of burns or fire. Heated pet mats should also be used with caution because they are still capable of causing burns.